Chief Financial Officer (CFO) Full-time & Part-time

Whakatohea; New Zealand; Remote; NZD 180,000 - 280,000; Full time

Job summary

Whakatohea in New Zealand seeks an experienced Chief Financial Officer to lead the financial function across Te Tāwharau o Te Whakatōhea and its group entities. You will partner with the CEO and governance to inform strategic direction and support long-term aspirations, with local or remote work options.

The role covers strategy, budgets, reporting, cash flow, risk, and capital allocation, plus investment appraisals.

Qualifications

• Tertiary qualification in Accounting/Finance with CA/CPA or equivalent.
• Significant senior financial leadership in complex, multi-entity or group environments.
• Experience advising Chief Executives, ELT, and Boards on strategic matters.
• Strong commercial acumen with investment management and capital allocation experience.
• Advanced financial systems capability, notably Xero, and process improvement.

Responsibilities

• Lead the group-wide financial strategy, budgets, forecasts, and long-term planning.
• Provide high-level financial advice to the Chief Executive, ELT, and governance.
• Oversee financial reporting, cash flow, treasury, and investment performance.
• Drive commercial analysis and investment appraisals for growth decisions.
• Maintain robust governance, risk management, and statutory compliance.
• Lead modernisation of financial systems, processes and reporting frameworks.
• Develop a high-performing finance function and organisational capability.

Skills

Strategic financial leadership

Commercial acumen

Financial modelling

Stakeholder communication

Leadership of teams

Education

Accounting degree

CA/CPA or equivalent

Tools

Xero

Job description

We are seeking an experienced and commercially astute Chief Financial Officer (CFO) to lead the financial function across Te Tāwharau o Te Whakatōhea and its group entities.

As a member of the Executive Leadership Team, you will partner with the Chief Executive and governance to provide financial leadership, inform strategic direction, and support the Group’s long-term aspirations.

Full-time and part-time opportunities are available, with contractor arrangements also considered. The role can be undertaken locally or remotely.

Lead the development and delivery of group-wide financial strategy, budgets, forecasts, and long-term planning.

Provide high-level financial advice, commercial insights and recommendations to the Chief Executive, Executive Leadership Team, and governance.

Oversee financial reporting, cash flow, treasury, and investment performance, ensuring clear visibility of the Group’s financial position.

Drive commercial analysis, capital allocation, and investment appraisals to inform significant business and growth decisions.

Maintain robust financial governance, internal controls, risk management, and statutory compliance across group entities.

Identify opportunities to improve operational efficiency, optimise resource allocation, and enhance commercial returns.

Lead the review and modernisation of financial systems, processes, and reporting frameworks to improve accuracy, efficiency, and management of information.

Lead and develop a high-performing finance function, building capability, professional standards, and a culture of excellence.

You will be an accomplished finance leader who combines technical expertise with commercial insight, executive presence, and the ability to influence organisational direction.

You will bring:

A relevant tertiary qualification in Accounting, Finance, Commerce or Business, supported by a professional accounting qualification (CA, CPA or equivalent).

Significant senior financial leadership experience, ideally within a complex, multi-entity, or group environment.

Proven experience advising Chief Executives, Executive Leadership Teams, and Boards on strategic and commercial matters.

Strong commercial acumen, including investment management, financial modelling, business cases, and capital allocation.

Advanced financial systems capability, including experience with Xero and the ability to critically review existing systems, processes and controls, identify inefficiencies and lead improvements that enhance financial operations and reporting.

A strong understanding of New Zealand accounting standards, taxation, statutory obligations, and financial risk management.

The ability to interpret complex information, challenge assumptions, and translate analysis into clear, practical recommendations.

Demonstrated leadership experience, including developing teams, managing performance, and building organisational capability.

Exceptional analytical, communication and relationship management skills, with the credibility to influence at all levels.

Sound judgement, integrity, and discretion when managing sensitive financial and commercial information.

An understanding of Māori organisations, iwi structures and the wider Māori economic landscape would be advantageous. Bilingual proficiency in Te Reo Māori and English, alongside an understanding of Whakatōhea tikanga, kawa and whakapapa, is highly regarded.

If you’re a strategic and hands-on accounting professional who can navigate both charitable compliance and commercial complexity, we’d love to hear from you.